Starting June 12, the Telegram messenger will introduce an internal currency, Telegram Stars, for purchasing digital goods and services in bots and mini-apps. The company has notified developers about this innovation.
This initiative follows a warning from Apple regarding a violation of App Store policies, which prohibit accepting internal payments, including cryptocurrencies. Otherwise, bots and mini-apps could be removed.
Users will be able to purchase the new currency on the App Store or Google Play and use it for digital purchases. Payments for physical goods and services will remain unchanged. Developers will be able to withdraw Telegram Stars through the TON blockchain at any time.
Bot owners reacted negatively to the news, pointing out the 30% commission Apple takes from each payment.
"Kod Durova" suggested that the old scheme for purchasing digital goods and services would remain available in app versions downloaded outside the App Store and Google Play.
Previously, Telegram founder Pavel Durov reported that Apple had demanded to restrict access to content for Ukrainian users on iOS.
In April, at the Token2049 conference, Durov announced the possibility of purchasing digital goods with cryptocurrency in Telegram, promising sellers 70% of the revenue. The messenger also introduced a feature to send tips to content creators in digital assets.
